Inexcusable

[BirdyMomma]

Hi everyone. I see that some of you have been waiting as anxiously as I was, to find out what the vet had to say today. I am beyond disappointed. Beyond angry. I am FURIOUS.

I called her office this morning, expecting that she would not have spoken to anyone at the University of Georgia that early. I just figured that I would give it a shot. I was told by the person who answered the phone that the doctor had not yet spoken to anyone from the University, but that as soon as they did, I would be called immediately.

At around 5:30, I was cleaning up after the birds, and there was a knock on our door. It was our neighbor, and their little girl. The girl was holding a shoe box............ you know what comes next. There was a dying baby bird in the box. They had found it in their back yard, and brought it to me, because I'm the only person they know who knows anything about birds. I took the baby, who they had tried to comfort by putting flowers and leaves in the box with him ( as little girls will do ). He was barely responsive, and to be honest, I do not know what to do with a sick, or injured baby bird.

So I called the vets office, to see if they could offer me some advice. While I dialed, I filled a dropper with water, to see if I could get the baby some hydration. He was lying on his side, with his eye half open. He was breathing, and his leg moved when I touched it. I told the girl who answered, that I was Wingnut's mom, and that I had been expecting a call from the doctor, but more importantly, I had an emergency on my hands. I held the tip of the dropper to the babys mouth. "If you bring the baby here, we will just euthanize it..." she said. He opened his mouth slightly, and I let a drop land on his beak. "You can try the center for blah blah blah...." His beak opened wide, and I let another drop in. His chest moved. "OK!" I said, "can I have the number?" As she gave me the number, I watched, as his beak opened even wider, his tongue came out...... and he died. He just died right there......

"Hold on, DR........ is right here." I heard over the phone, as I stared down into the box, angry that I couldn't do anything to help this poor baby..... and then it got worse.

"Hiiii Wingnuts mom" the usually curt Doctor said to me rather playfully. I was struck at how weird that was. She then proceeded to tell me that Wingnut is fine, and I have nothing to worry about. (Yeah, I was just as confused as you are right now.) She informed me that she had spoken to the lab technician who had administered Wingnuts two POSITIVE tests. This person informed her that Wingnut is going to be fine, that he will probably never exhibit any symptoms of PBFD, and that our other birds are not in danger of contracting the disease. I was so taken aback by this, that I could barely find the words at first. I stopped her, and I said, OK, but what did they say at the University. She danced around that, and just went back to telling me what the lab technician told her. I was getting angry, because it made no sense, and it seemed like I was asking her questions in the clearest most succinct way possible, and she was talking, but not answering them. Almost like she was trying to brush the entire thing under the rug.
She told me how responsible, professional and reputable the people who did the first test are. She told me that apparently the first test was very very clearly positive, but that the second test didn't look as bad. I said that was great, but don't you think we should talk to the people who did the third test? Don't you think they should know that they conducted the THIRD test on a bird who has tested positive TWICE; one of those times being a WEEK AGO? I asked for the name of that first lab. She was getting annoyed with me and my questions. She told me that she could see that I was getting angry (.............no, really?) She told me that she works really hard and that this is the time of day she usually makes her phone calls. (I'm thinking OK, great. You didn't call them, and you're trying to change the focus of this conversation to be about how angry I am right now). I told her that I didn't think it was reasonable not to talk to the lab at the University. I asked for a name there, so I could call myself. She refused to give it to me. She assured me that she ....................

I HAVE TO GO. I WILL BE BACK IN 15 MINUTES. SORRY TO STOP HERE.

 

[happycat]

Woah. Thats a huge surprise. This all seems very odd, but if she is indeed right then that is WONDERFUL! I'm so sorry about the baby bird, that has happened with me and baby birds before. So, so sad. But I am hoping with all my heart that Wingnut is okay!!!

 

[Kiwibird]

I am at a loss for words. I think I would be in that office DEMANDING to know what the heck was going on with my bird. Even an honest answer of the lab/our office screwed up majorly or I forgot/was too busy to call anyone is better than dancing around the subject and/or lying through her teeth. This is beyond unacceptable, this is into the territory of reporting this to someone- i.e. whatever organization she is certified through. I'm not sure of names, but I'd be finding out. And it is past time for a second opinion. Something is just not right with this vet, that or she works with INCOMPETENT labs. Either way, time to find someone else who can figure out the truth.

I am just so, so sorry you are being put through all of this I am so sorry you had to watch the baby bird die in your arms. I am sorry Wingnut and/or any of your other birds may be sick, and the vet is too incompetent/lazy/self righteous to get the right diagnosis, if any.

 

[BirdyMomma]

She assured me that she would be in touch with the University tomorrow, and that she would call me. I told her, quite firmly, that I would be waiting for her call. I also told her that I fully intend to have Wingnut tested again, under a different name, by a different vet. She basically laughed at me.

At no point did I raise my voice with her. I did not use rude or insulting behavior, or foul language. Both my boyfriend and I feel as if a mistake has been made somewhere, and now she is just telling me that everything is going to be fine, just to make me go away. Even if she does call tomorrow, I have no faith in anything she has to say.

I am by no means relieved by any of this. I feel like I cannot trust her positive, or negative diagnosis.

 

[BirdyMomma]

Yah, KiwiBird, let me tell you, I'm fighting the urge to go on the rampage. I think it would be pointless now, cause I don't trust her.
She's kind of foolish, because I have FOUR birds, and am obviously committed to keeping them healthy. I've spent over $1500 there since the beginning of this nightmare, most of it in cash. I'm never going back there again. I'm so upset. I need a good vet who I trust, and who will help my birds, if ever there is an emergency. I no longer want anyone from her office near my birds.
And now poor Wingnut needs to go through getting blood drawn AGAIN, and we have to wait for more test results, and wonder if it's positive. Every time is a freaking nightmare.
This is such a mess, I am so mad. It shouldn't be any harder than it already is, when you think your baby is sick.

 

[Kiwibird]

Just curious, but was Wingnut ever showing symptoms or was this 'uncovered' in a routine health checkup?

Avian vets are held to a much higher standards when treating birds than regular vets and have more advanced education/training to hold those credentials. I would very seriously be looking at her credentials and reporting this situation to every organization she is a part of. It does not sound like she has been competent or sympathetic, or even necessarily polite. She can't answer specific questions about where this lab work went wrong or why you shouldn't worry after 2 positive tests. Other people need to be warned about her and any organizations she is associated with should know about her lack or professionalism and incompetence.

Helpful links of organizations she may be a member of:
Association of Avian Veterinarians
ABVP ? American Board of Veterinary Practitioners
2014 Annual Meeting- Denver
Veterinay Speciality Organizations and Specialist Colleges: Veterinary Associations, Societies, Academies in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, International

 

[BirdyMomma]

I'm from Long Island. We are basically what is considered a bedroom community of Manhattan. This particular veterinarian has a PLATINUM reputation. If you have a bird, and you live around here, you either use her, or you know who she is. Bird people bow and scrape, and talk about her in golden tones. I was so disappointed, the first time I went to her office, because I didn't get her, I got one of her associates, who I did not like very much. When I first met her (Head Vet that everyone loves) I liked her too. I thought Wingnut had a really good exam with her, and that she was great with him. She was a little hard to talk to, but I meet people from all walks of life in my line of work, so I just figured she was just a sciency person, who might not be the best communicator.
I don't know if I could report her anywhere, without being looked at like I was crazy. I don't think anyone would take me seriously. The one person who does take me seriously is the man I got my birds from. They do not care for each other. I mean that in a professional sense. She has nothing nice to say about him and his practices, he knows that she hates him, and he thinks she's a fear monger who hates women.

I just want a veterinarian who I can trust. Wingnuts diagnosis came about during a regular visit, that I scheduled, because he was regurgitating. He still pukes on me all the time, it's normal regurgitation. I was just worried about it.

They gave me a lot more to worry about

 

[BirdyMomma]

Sorry, also, Wingnut has never showed symptoms. He is a healthy, happy, robust bird. He eats and poops like a champ.

 

[Kiwibird]

Her 'stellar' reputation may be something of a sham. Sure, people who bring their healthy bird in once a year for a checkup or their bird has a sniffle and is given an antibiotic and all is well probably sing praises. However, there may be more people out there who, like you, have had a negative experience with her and are too afraid to tell someone. Seriously, it happens all the time, everyone who is wronged and/or victimized in a situation/by an individual feels alone and is too frightened to tell anyone. But one one person tells the truth, the rest follow. And please understand, this is not some trivial complaint either. This is a very serious issue of incompetence, misdiagnosis and unprofessionalism. Perhaps a little arrogance thrown in there too. What happens if next week she pulls this kind of thing again, only the bird in question is positive and does infect other birds, and she 'danced around' the results and couldn't keep her story straight? God only knows how common this scenario is. Those types of organizations exist to keep standards high, and they do accept 'anonymous' complaints (you did say you weren't planning on going back right?). If they have a client file a legitimate complaint, they aren't just going to sweep it under the rug and ignore it. Just food for thought.

Edit: If you aren't comfortable reporting it or doing anything more than just never going there again, that's fine too. It's ultimately your decision on where to go from here. I know you are very stressed and worrying about reporting this crazy lady is a low-no priority compared to finding out the truth about Wingnut.

 

[BirdyMomma]

Thank you. I will see what she does, but either way, I have to get him re-tested, anonymously by another vet. His health, and the safety of our other birds is my priority.

I am worried. I think my boyfriend is just so angry, and sick of it. He sees how healthy Wingnut is, and he just feels like the entire thing was some sort of scam.

I will look into reporting her.....it just sucks to be treated like that by someone you look to as a healer, and a professional.

 

[hacatta]

how horrible,you spend a lot of money there and clearly love your bird and she just laughed in your face!
That are the kind off persons who shouldn't ever become a vet.
My mothers av even worked overtime just so my mother could come with her galah.
you should report her ,this isn't how you treat someone like that.

 

[Runnergirl]

I've been following your story for a while, birdymomma, and this vet can have any reputation she likes, but not owning up to an error on her part, or the labs part, and saying "he'll be fine" when there are other birds potentially at risk is simply unethical. I'm sorry you're going through all of this, and whatever you choose to do, don't feel any guild or concern about what other people think about her. Do whatever is right for you, while doing what is best for your babies.
Good luck, and hopefully you can find a genuine vet who cares about you and your birds more than their paycheck.

 

[Dopey]

BirdyMomma - I have been following your story for a few weeks. We all care for you and your birdies. Please get Wingnut tested again and then figure out what you are going to do about the vet. Right now you, your family, Wingnut and your other fids are what is important. Wishing you and all of your family the best. Get some rest as soon as you can!

BTW - I love the name Wingnut.

 

[Birdman666]

1. Wild baby birds have a 50% mortality rate. Sadly, their role in nature is to provide food for many.

2. This bird was past the point of saving when the little girl brought it to you. It was already dead, it just hadn't stopped breathing yet.

3. The vet deals with this stuff every day.

4. If you are familiar with the Serenity Prayer, this falls under the heading of "the wisdom to know the difference."

 

[Jayyj]

It's hard figuring out where the problem lies with the vet - perhaps she's expanded the business dramatically and relies on delegating, not having enough time to deal with a case like this start to finish, but if that's the case the business has a problem. Perhaps this illness is simply very hard to test for when the bird is not showing symptoms, but if so a proper explanation about what the difficulties are is crucial - just fudging a vague "labs eh, can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em" explanation isn't a good approach

What is absolutely clear is that this test result is literally the difference between life or death for your bird, and in your case several birds, and that as a professional she should be able to understand that this is a stressful situation that requires prompt and sensitive handling: to put off phone calls and make light of the situation is not professional. I kind of suspect she knew this was going to be a difficult call, put it off then decided to dive in without prepping since you were on the phone and totally blew it. Either way, it's made a bad situation worse.

For the moment, cutting your losses with this vetand having Wingnut retested seems the only way you're going to get a result that you can feel comfortable with. It was an awful enough situation without the vet adding to it

 

[RavensGryf]

Perhaps this illness is simply very hard to test for when the bird is not showing symptoms, but if so a proper explanation about what the difficulties are is crucial

This is what I've found through research. Unfortunately, a negative result doesn't mean the bird is free of the disease.

I really think a vet with a better bedside manner who can explain the facts and details is needed at this point.

 

[BirdyMomma]

Oh, and just incase anyone was wondering, she never called today.

 

[Kiwibird]

Oh, and just incase anyone was wondering, she never called today.

So she #$*&%! up, laughs in your face and then blows you off? Absolutely unreal. And this woman is highly praised in her field? My butt. You get Wingnut to the new vet ASAP so you can get some real answers. And once you have sorted out the TRUTH from the mess this so called vet has created, THEN you really should consider taking some kind of action. I am just beyond belief at this point. I feel so bad for you, your boyfriend, and your flock (who obviously notice somethings up with their humans-stress).

 

[Sheryl]

I'm so sorry you are being tortured like this.

 

[TessieB]

Complain to the veterinary medical board in your state. Have all the documentation you can to back up your case. If this doctor is found in fault she may be suspended from practice for a period of time. Of course she can simply move to another state to practice.